Person of Interest moves to Tuesdays. I’m cool with it!
I’m not worried. And if I may be so bold: You shouldn’t be either. I mean, let’s face it; are you all going to stop watching PoI simply because it is now on a new night and an hour later? ……. Nope, didn’t think so.
I know; 10:00 p.m. isn’t a big bonanza for the 18-49 demo. Does any show on any network do well in that demo at that time? Nope. Sure, Revolution started big; however, did you see where it landed? Granted it does have a 2.68 for an average, so not too bad; however the trend is not in its favor. Scandal (on ABC) is the only show that’s actually grown in that demo at that time; even so, its average for the season is only a 2.46. Castle rings in nicely at a 2.04 average, Hawaii Five-0 at a 2.16, CSI at a 2.31. Most of the rest of the shows eek out an occasional 2.—something. DVR numbers help.
What does 10:00 p.m. have going for it in PoI’s favor? A lot. No DTWS, The Voice, or American Idol to contend with, not ever. There’s nothing on Fox or the CW (which was never really a contender at any time…even as I enjoy Supernatural and Arrow). NBC is airing Chicago Fire at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesdays next season; it averages a 1.82 in the key demographic with an average of 6.58 million viewers. I think PoI can take it.
Lucky 7 is premiering on ABC. Guess the ratings now (bomb) because who really wants to watch a show about seven people winning the lottery and all the nastiness that comes from it? I don’t think there’s too many, no matter who is headlining the cast. I give it ten episodes until it’s cancelled, and that’s only because AB C doesn’t have anything else to air.
So, really, Person of Interest will do just fine.
And, don’t forget, this should mean (although it might not if PoI only produces 22 episodes again in season 3) this should mean that it returns two days earlier than if it had stayed on Thursdays. (And yes, those two days do matter!)
Speaking of why PoI only produced 22 episodes: I’m totally spitballing here but perhaps due to PoI having nearly double the camera setups that other shows do, which takes time and likely wears people down, I think they traded off two eps a season in order to keep the quality so high. I’m okay with that. (From Alice – I heard Hurricane Sandy may have played a role in this year’s schedule too. That’s not confirmed either though).
Now, about the other ‘elephant in the room: Sarah Shahi being promoted to a regular for Season 3. Well, time will tell how well this works. From what I’ve seen thus far, PoI’s creative force makes moves with care and a plan. With Nolan and Plageman saying they wanted to expand the PoI universe in Season 3, this is an appropriate move. Shaw and Reese work very well together, always a plus. Further, now that the ‘Relevant Universe’ (Hersh and Co.) knows about the ‘Irrelevant Universe’ (don’t think I need to expound on this) there is symmetry to have both sides represented on Team Machine.
Also, perhaps (going back to the 22 episodes topic) Sarah Shahi might take a bit of pressure off of Jim Caviezel. There was an article earlier this season indicating he was getting quite beat up this season; Shaw’s character could take some of those blows, (well, her double for sure) as well as might ease some of the hours that any actor is working. I know; people will say what does it matter? They get paid plenty. Well, to keep quality high, it matters. Burn out your leads, sideline them with injuries, and everyone suffers.
Person of Interest has closed chapter one. Chapter two opens this fall. A new night, a new time, and a new regular cast member (someone help me out here, does ‘regular’ mean every episode? Isn’t Kevin Chapman a regular? He’s not in every episode.), all to partake of a new chapter; sounds good to me.
I know where I’ll be at 10:00 p.m. this fall on Tuesdays, and I know what I’ll be watching!
As always, thanks for reading! Elle2
Thanks for writing about the addition of Sarah Shahi as a regular in a positive light. I love Shaw and the possibility she brings to the show. I admit I was a bit startled to see her promoted so “soon,” but upon reflection I’m good with it. Even if I wasn’t, hey it’s not in my control anyway right?
I was getting a bit tired of the rampant speculation on how screen time for certain other characters would be minimized when the reality is none of us really knows where they are going with the stories because they wrote the close of Season 2 into a universe of limitless possibility.
People who worry about how much “screen time” certain characters get or don’t get are missing the boat on a show like this. There are plenty of other formulaic shows out there to watch if that is such a concern.
As for the move in time slot — couldn’t care less. I never watch TV “live.” I watch it on my own schedule. But you’re right the two days do matter. They matter a lot with this show. 🙂
Thanks, Stef, for the great comments, especially regarding screen time. I’ll admit, while 2piR isn’t an episode I’ll rewatch as often as others, (my fave Reese only appearing at the beginning and the end) it was well done. Also, Relevant, reduced all four characters to ‘bit parts’ and it was still a riveting episode. I think PoI can pull off five regulars without too much difficulty.
Plus, they now have — as you said so well “…a universe of limitless possibility.” (Great writing there) Because of how they ended this season, they can in essence re-invent themselves next season. It’s the perfect time to do this with a new character.
I told Alice in an e-mail (I would have included it here, but I found it after I had already sent this to Alice) that CBS also noted that they had researched the NCIS and PoI fan base and found that the two are quite similar.
In other words, CBS took the time to look at the fans of their shows and found that those who watch NCIS also watch PoI. Thus, in their minds, this was the right move. They’ve wanted to expand their comedy block, and this year they have a crop of pilots with which to do that (possibly even successfully), and they can also plug a troublesome time slot with a proven winner; a winner that fans who watch the Tuesday night lineup already watch, just on another night.
From CBS’s perspective — this was a no brainer!
For us fans, we shouldn’t be so quick to ‘yell foul’ that CBS is smacking PoI around or dissing them. I’ve read quite a lot lately about that from fans. (Not suggesting, Stef, that you’ve done that 😉
So, all complaints aside about CBS’s formula shows; they know their audience and they play to them. This move is just plain smart.
Thanks, Stef! Look forward to chatting with you from time to time over the summer. Probably have a season 2 roundup done in a week or so. Got ideas percolating in my brain on all the goodness we got in Season 2!
You’re welcome and thank you for the space to provide such a great conversation Elle2! Excited to read your season 2 roundup! It was SUCH a good season!
Totally on the same page with you about 2piR as well. Michael did a FABULOUS job carrying the show. From that perspective it could not have been better (imo). The “surprise” I felt watching it slowly realizing that Reese had a very small role in it was overcome by the great writing and acting. That type of “imbalance” (I know there’s a better word but can’t think of it right now) works because they didn’t do it too often.
I wasn’t aware of the similarities between POI and NCIS fans — totally smart move on CBS’ part. I’m glad they did it. I believe (though I’m totally not an expert in this stuff) it will be good for the show. I want this show to stay on the air for as long as possible!
I have no problems with either change either. I do Watch Chicago Fire, but it’s not must see TV, I can catch it on demand. I have no problem with Sarah Shahi. Basically the writers have not let me down so far,so I’m trusting them until I learn otherwise.